Movement Mechanism and Wing Mirror for a Vehicle Provided with Such a Movement Mechanism

ABSTRACT

A movement mechanism comprising a substantially spherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ring, which are rotatable relative to each other about a first axis and a second axis enclosing an angle of approximately 90° to the first axis. Driving means are provided for enabling movement of the holder relative to the ring and comprise a first non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating the driving rod and a second non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating the driving rod. The first driving rod and the second driving rod are rotatable about a third and a fourth axis, respectively, which third and fourth axes are mutually parallel and lie in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of the holder and which third and fourth axes are parallel to or coincide with the first axis.

The invention relates to a movement mechanism comprising a substantiallyspherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ring, which, wheninserted into each other, are rotatable relative to each other about afirst axis, which lies in a plane which is substantially parallel withthe top face of the holder, and a second axis, which second axis lies ina plane equal or parallel to the top face of the ring, and which secondaxis lies at an angle of approximately 90° to the first axis, whiledriving means are provided for enabling movement of the holder relativeto the ring, which driving means comprise a first non-straight drivingrod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating thedriving rod and a second non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in theholder, as well as means for activating the driving rod, wherein thedriving rods each have the shape of a ring segment, wherein the firstdriving rod and the second driving rod are rotatable about a third and afourth axis, respectively, which third and fourth axes are mutuallyparallel and lie in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of theholder.

Such a movement mechanism can, for instance, be used for causing anobject fixedly connected to the holder to make a movement about one ortwo axes relative to the fixedly arranged bowl-shaped ring, and can beused for, for instance, wing mirrors of vehicles, in which a mirrorplate can be mounted on the bowl-shaped ring, while the holder ismounted in the housing of the mirror plate, which housing can be fixedon a vehicle. Since the driving means for the mirror plate can be fittedin the holder, a rather compact construction of the mirror-adjustingmeans can be obtained, which, in view of the increasingly stringentrequirements imposed on the dimensions of such mirror-adjusting means,is of great importance.

A movement mechanism as described above for a movement about two axes isknown from European Patent Application EP-A-1347890. Here, the drivingmeans comprise a driving rod for each of the rotation possibilitiesabout the first and the second axis, respectively. The known drivingrods have the shape of a ring segment, which is rotatable about a thirdaxis, which lies in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of theholder, and which lies at an angle of approximately 45° to the firstaxis which first axis, when the movement mechanism is used as a wingmirror for a vehicle, is substantially parallel to the horizontal planewhen the movement mechanism is mounted to a vehicle. The known movementmechanism further comprises means for activating the driving rods whichmeans comprises a motor and associated transmission means for eachdriving rod so that a single driving rod effects a rotation of theholder relative to the bowl-shaped ring about a respective axis.Although this movement mechanism functions satisfactorily, it appears insome cases, where increased adjustment torques are required to effect amovement of the holder relative to the ring, that the accuracy of themovement mechanism can be reduced leading to additional activations ofthe driving rod to obtain a correct mutual position. In addition itappears that when the motors are driven by 24V batteries the accuracy ofthe known movement mechanism in some cases does not meet the highestrequirements.

The invention has for its object to prevent these drawbacks and torealize an accurate movement of a spherical holder relative to abowl-shaped ring even under increased adjustment torques or in 24Vapplications, while the compact construction of the movement mechanismis maintained and most components can stay alike.

To this end the inventions provides a movement mechanism comprising asubstantially spherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ring,which, when inserted into each other, are rotatable relative to eachother about a first axis, which lies in a plane which is substantiallyparallel with the top face of the holder, and a second axis, whichsecond axis lies in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of thering, and which second axis lies at an angle of approximately 90° to thefirst axis, while driving means are provided for enabling movement ofthe holder relative to the ring, which driving means comprise a firstnon-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as meansfor activating the driving rod and a second non-straight driving rodbearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating thedriving rod, wherein the first driving rod and the second driving rodare rotatable about a third and a fourth axis, respectively, which thirdand fourth axes are mutually parallel and lie in a plane equal orparallel to the top face of the holder and characterized in that thethird and fourth axes are parallel to or coincide with the first axis.In this manner the arrangement of the driving rods is such that bothdriving rods need to be activated for effecting a rotation of the holderrelative to the bowl-shaped ring about a respective axis andconsequently increased adjustment torques can be realized. Consequentlythe rotation axes of the driving rods/ring segments are substantiallyparallel to the horizontal plane, e.g. the road, when the movementmechanism is used as a wing mirror for a vehicle, which can lead to asimply control for adjusting the mirror.

In a preferred embodiment of a movement mechanism according to theinvention, wherein the means for activating the first non-straightdriving rod comprises a first motor and associated first transmissionmeans and the means for activating the second non-straight driving rodcomprises a second motor and associated second transmission means, thefirst motor and the second motor are separately drivable andsimultaneously drivable for either driving the driving rods in the samedirection or in opposite direction. When the driving rods are driven inthe same direction the holder and the bowl-shaped ring are rotatedrelative to each other about the first axis, while when the driving rodsare driven in opposite direction the holder and the bowl-shaped ring arerotated relative to each other about the second axis which lies at anangle of approximately 90° to the first axis.

To ensure a predictable load of the motors and thereby improving theaccuracy of the adjustment resulting from the relative movement thefirst motor and the second motor are drivable at the same rotationalspeed.

In an embodiment of a movement mechanism according to the invention withwhich the highest requirements regarding accuracy can be met the firstand the second transmission means comprise planetary gear drives, whichcan provide a smooth and regular drive to the driving rods.

In an advantageous embodiment of a movement mechanism according to theinvention each of the driving rods is provided with teeth and can carryout a rotational movement, which is defined relative to an axis whichsubstantially coincides with or is parallel to first axis or the secondaxis depending on the orientation. It is then preferred that the meansfor activating the driving rods are formed by a driving system providedwith a driven toothed wheel.

The invention further relates to a movement mechanism comprising asubstantially spherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ringsurrounding the substantially spherical holder, which, when insertedinto each other are rotatable relative to each other about at least onefirst axis, which lies in a plane which is substantially parallel withthe top face of the holder, while driving means are provided forenabling movement of the holder relative to the ring, which drivingmeans comprise a driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well asmeans for activating the driving rod, wherein the driving rod isprovided with teeth and the means for activating the driving rod isformed by a driving system provided with a driven toothed wheel.

Such a movement mechanism can, for instance, be used for causing anobject fixedly connected to the holder to make a movement about one ortwo axes relative to the fixedly arranged bowl-shaped ring, and can beused for, for instance, wing mirrors of vehicles, in which a mirrorplate can be mounted on the bowl-shaped ring, while the holder ismounted in the housing of the mirror plate, which housing can be fixedon a vehicle. Since the driving means for the mirror plate can be fittedin the holder, a rather compact construction of the mirror-adjustingmeans can be obtained, which, in view of the increasingly stringentrequirements imposed on the dimensions of such mirror-adjusting means,is of great importance.

A movement mechanism as described above for a movement about two axes isknown from European Patent Application EP-A-1347890. Here, the drivingmeans comprise a driving rod for each of the rotation possibilitiesabout the first and the second axis, respectively. The known drivingrods have the shape of a ring segment, which is rotatable about a thirdaxis, which lies in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of theholder, and which lies at an angle of approximately 45° to the firstaxis which first axis, when the movement mechanism is used as a wingmirror for a vehicle, is substantially parallel to the horizontal planewhen the movement mechanism is mounted to a vehicle. Each driving rod isprovided with teeth and the means for activating the driving rod arefurther formed by a driving system provided with a driven toothed wheel,the arrangement being such that the driving rod is arranged between thedriven toothed wheel and the substantially spherical holder.

Although this movement mechanism functions satisfactorily it appearsthat in case the movement mechanism is mounted to a vehicle doorslamming of the door when closed or opened may result in unwantedalteration of the previously set position of the holder relative to thebowl-shaped ring.

The invention has for its object to prevent this drawback and to realizea movement mechanism which can maintain the relative positioning of theholder and the bowl-shaped ring even in case of mechanical impact, suchas e.g. resulting from slamming of a vehicle door to which the movementmechanism is mounted. Due to increasing amount of functions added to themirror glass (such as heater pads, blinkers etc. which increase theweight of the mirror) the demands on glass stability after door slammingalso increase.

To this end the invention provides a movement mechanism comprising asubstantially spherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ringsurrounding the substantially spherical holder, which, when insertedinto each other are rotatable relative to each other about at least onefirst axis, which lies in a plane which is substantially parallel withthe top face of the holder, while driving means are provided forenabling movement of the holder relative to the ring, which drivingmeans comprise a driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well asmeans for activating the driving rod, wherein the driving rod isprovided with teeth and the means for activating the driving rod isformed by a driving system provided with a driven toothed wheel,characterized in that the driving rod is a straight driving rod, such asa linear ball rack. The invention is based on the insight that as aresult of both the ring segment shape of the known driving rod and thearrangement of the driven toothed wheel between the teeth and thesubstantially spherical holder the driven toothed wheel can experiencesuch forces during mechanical impact, in particular when the movementmechanism is applied to so-called wing doors, that it moves over theteeth of the non-straight driving rod or that it can even come loosefrom the driving rod resulting in unwanted alteration of the relativepositioning of the holder and the bowl-shaped ring. By, in accordancewith the invention, using a straight driving rod, such as a linear ballrack, unwanted alteration of the relative positioning due to impact canbe at least reduced. Without being bound by theory, this in particularseems to be the result of the fact that the linear extension of thedriving rod and the direction of the impact force enclose the same angleindependent on the engagement position of the toothed wheel with regardto the driving rod, which angle in a preferred embodiment can beapproximately zero degrees by proper arrangement of the relevant parts.In addition a straight driving rod can be manufactured more robust thana ring shaped one taking into account the available space within thespherical holder. An additional disadvantage of non-straight drivingrods is that the angle over which the mirror can be adjusted isrelatively limited since the non-straight driving rods at their lowerend are relatively close to each other. By in accordance with theinvention using straight driving rods the adjustment angle can beenlarged.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of such a movement mechanismaccording to the invention the driving rod is arranged between thedriven toothed wheel and the substantially spherical holder. In thismanner during mechanical impact the driven toothed wheel will be pushedagainst the driving rod preventing it to come loose from the driving rodso that unwanted alteration of the relative positioning of the holderand the bowl-shaped ring is at least reduced.

Alternatively this object can be achieved in accordance with theinvention by providing such a movement mechanism comprising asubstantially spherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ringsurrounding the substantially spherical holder, which, when insertedinto each other are rotatable relative to each other about at least onefirst axis, which lies in a plane which is substantially parallel withthe top face of the holder, while driving means are provided forenabling movement of the holder relative to the ring, which drivingmeans comprise a driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well asmeans for activating the driving rod, wherein the driving rod isprovided with teeth and the means for activating the driving rod isformed by a driving system provided with a driven toothed wheel,characterized in that the driving rod is a non-straight driving rod andthe driven toothed wheel is arranged between the driving rod and thesubstantially spherical holder. In this manner during mechanical impactthe driven toothed wheel will be pushed against the driving rodpreventing it to come loose from the driving rod so that unwantedalteration of the relative positioning of the holder and the bowl-shapedring is at least reduced even in case a non-straight driving rod isused.

Preferably the driving rod has the shape of a ring segment, which isrotatable about a third axis, which lies in a plane equal or parallel tothe top face of the holder and which lies at an angle of approximately45° to the first axis or which is parallel to or coincides with thefirst axis.

The invention further relates to a movement mechanism comprising asubstantially spherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ring,which, when inserted into each other, are rotatable relative to eachother about at least one first axis, which lies in a plane which issubstantially parallel with the top face of the holder, while drivingmeans are provided for enabling movement of the holder relative to thering, which driving means comprise a driving rod bearing-mounted in theholder, as well as means for activating the driving rod, wherein themovement mechanism comprises connection means for connecting the drivingrod to the ring in a manner allowing relative movement between thedriving rod and the ring.

Such a movement mechanism can, for instance, be used for causing anobject fixedly connected to the holder to make a movement about one ortwo axes relative to the fixedly arranged bowl-shaped ring, and can beused for, for instance, wing mirrors of vehicles, in which a mirrorplate can be mounted on the bowl-shaped ring, while the holder ismounted in the housing of the mirror plate, which housing can be fixedon a vehicle. Since the driving means for the mirror plate can be fittedin the holder, a rather compact construction of the mirror-adjustingmeans can be obtained, which, in view of the increasingly stringentrequirements imposed on the dimensions of such mirror-adjusting means,is of great importance.

A movement mechanism as described above for a movement about two axes isknown from European Patent Application EP-A-1347890. Here, the drivingmeans comprise a driving rod for each of the rotation possibilitiesabout the first and the second axis, respectively. The known drivingrods have the shape of a ring segment, which is rotatable about a thirdaxis, which lies in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of theholder, and which lies at an angle of approximately 45° to the firstaxis which first axis, when the movement mechanism is used as a wingmirror for a vehicle, is substantially parallel to the horizontal planewhen the movement mechanism is mounted to a vehicle. The driving rod isfurthermore connected with a driving part, which is rotatably mounted ina recess in the ring relative to the second axis. The driving part hasthe shape of a cylinder which is received in the recess having the shapeof a slotted hole. Although this movement mechanism functionssatisfactorily it appears in some cases that the driving part can bedamaged or even break off leading to improper functioning of themovement mechanism.

The invention has for its object to prevent these drawbacks and toprovide a movement mechanism that can function properly over an extendedperiod of time.

To this end the invention provides a movement mechanism comprising asubstantially spherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ring,which, when inserted into each other, are rotatable relative to eachother about at least one first axis, which lies in a plane which issubstantially parallel with the top face of the holder, while drivingmeans are provided for enabling movement of the holder relative to thering, which driving means comprise a driving rod bearing-mounted in theholder, as well as means for activating the driving rod, wherein themovement mechanism comprises connection means for connecting the drivingrod to the ring in a manner allowing relative movement between thedriving rod and the ring, characterized in that the connection meanscomprises a driving part connected to the ring and a recess in thedriving rod, which driving part is rotatably mounted in the recess,preferably relative to an additional axis, which additional axis lies ina plane equal or parallel to the top face of the ring and whichadditional axis encloses an angle with the first axis having a value ofa multiple of approximately 45°. By connecting the driving part to thering the connected part can be made more robust leading to a mechanicalstronger movement mechanism which can have an extended operational life.

In an embodiment of such a movement mechanism according to the inventionthe driving part has the shape of a cylinder and the recess can eitherbe circular or have the shape of a slotted hole, while the length of theslotted hole is substantially oriented in a direction enclosing an anglewith the first axis having a value of a multiple of approximately 45°.

Preferably the driving part is movably connected with the ring so that,when the driving rod rotates, a relatively small displacement of thedriving part becomes possible.

In an advantageous embodiment of such a movement mechanism according tothe invention the driving rod has the shape of a ring segment, which isrotatable about a third axis, which lies in a plane equal or parallel tothe top face of the holder and which lies either at an angle ofapproximately 45° to the first axis or which is parallel to or coincideswith the first axis. Preferably the driving rod is then provided withteeth and can carry out a rotational movement, which is defined relativeto an axis which substantially coincides with the third axis.

In a further embodiment of such a movement mechanism according to theinvention the recess is movably arranged in the driving rod in such amanner that, when the driving rod rotates, a relatively smalldisplacement of the recess becomes possible. It is then from aconstructional point of view advantageous when the means for activatingthe driving rod are formed by a driving system provided with a driventoothed wheel.

In order to replace a damaged driving part or for maintenance it ispreferred when the driving part is removably connected to the ring.

To this end the invention alternatively provides a movement mechanismcomprising a substantially spherical holder and a substantiallybowl-shaped ring, which, when inserted into each other, are rotatablerelative to each other about at least one first axis, which lies in aplane which is substantially parallel with the top face of the holder,while driving means are provided for enabling movement of the holderrelative to the ring, which driving means comprise a driving rodbearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating thedriving rod, wherein the movement mechanism comprises connection meansfor connecting the driving rod to the ring in a manner allowing relativemovement between the driving rod and the ring, characterized in that theconnection means comprises a driving part which is movably connected tothe ring and which preferably is movably connected with the driving rod.By providing the driving part as an intermediate part the driving partcan be constructed to comply with the mechanical and physicalrequirements it needs to meet, while the ring and the driving rod can beconstructed to comply with the less severe mechanical and physicalrequirements they need to meet, which can lead to a relatively cheapmovement mechanism.

In an embodiment the connection means, in particular the driving partcan be movably connected to the ring and preferably the driving rod bymanufacturing the connection means, the ring and preferably the drivingrod using a two-component (also called two-step) moulding technique.

A compact construction of such a movement mechanism according to theinvention can be obtained when the driving part is rotatably mounted ina recess in the driving rod, preferably relative to an additional secondaxis, which additional axis lies in a plane equal or parallel to the topface of the ring and which additional axis encloses an angle with thefirst axis having a value of a multiple of approximately 45°.

In a further embodiment of such a movement mechanism according to theinvention the driving rod has the shape of a ring segment, which isrotatable about a third axis, which lies in a plane equal or parallel tothe top face of the holder and which either lies at an angle ofapproximately 45° to the first axis or which is parallel to or coincideswith the first axis. This embodiment is particularly important forreasons of space saving.

In a still further embodiment of such a movement mechanism according tothe invention the driving part has the shape of a cylinder and therecess can be circular or have the shape of a slotted hole, while thelength of the slotted hole is substantially oriented in a directionenclosing an angle with the first axis having a value of a multiple ofapproximately 45° to the first axis. Preferably the driving rod is thenprovided with teeth and can carry out a rotational movement, which isdefined relative to an axis which substantially coincides with the thirdaxis.

In a further embodiment of such a movement mechanism according to theinvention the recess is movably arranged in the driving rod in such amanner that, when the driving rod rotates, a relatively smalldisplacement of the recess becomes possible. It is then from aconstructional point of view advantageous when the means for activatingthe driving rod are formed by a driving system provided with a driventoothed wheel.

In order to replace a damaged driving part or for maintenance it ispreferred when the driving part is removably connected to the ring.

The invention further also relates to a wing mirror for a vehicleprovided with such a movement mechanism.

Embodiments of the several aspects of the invention will now beexplained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing.

IN THESE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a movement mechanism according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of a movement mechanism in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of this movement mechanism according to thearrows P;

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the driving means for thismovement mechanism;

FIG. 5 shows a connection unit of a movement mechanism;

FIG. 6 shows a motion diagram for the connection unit of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a part of a movement mechanism with astraight driving rod as well as a driving part movably connected to thebowl-shaped ring;

FIG. 8 shows a detailed perspective view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 schematically shows a movement mechanism with a non-straightdriving rod and a driven toothed wheel positioned between the drivingrod and the spherical holder;

FIG. 10 schematically shows a movement mechanism with a straight drivingrod and a driven toothed wheel positioned between the driving rod andthe spherical holder;

FIG. 11 schematically shows a top view the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 nwhich both motors are shown; and

FIG. 12 schematically shows a perspective view seen from the front ofthe embodiment of FIG. 11.

Corresponding parts in these figures are indicated by identicalreference numerals.

The movement mechanism according to FIGS. 1-3 is shown for a movement ofa substantially spherical holder 1 relative to a substantiallybowl-shaped ring 2 about a first axis A, which lies in a plane which issubstantially parallel with the top face of the holder 1. The cardanicsuspension of the holder and the ring are not shown any further, becausethis is not important for the description of the invention. The drivingmeans provided for enabling movement of the holder 1 relative to thering comprise a non-straight driving rod 3 bearing-mounted in the holder1 as well as means for activating the driving rod 3. The driving rod 3has the shape of a ring segment rotatable relative to an axis C. Thisaxis C lies parallel to or coincides with the axis A. The ring segmentis provided with teeth meshing with the teeth of a driven toothed wheel6 of a driving system 9 shown (see FIG. 4).

This driving system 9 comprises a first motor M₁, preferably a DC motorand associated transmission means 9 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). By actuatingthe DC motor the toothed wheel 6 is driven through the transmissionmeans, which has the result that the ring segment is displaced in theholder. Through the connection of the driving rod 3 with a driving part4 which is rotatably mounted in a recess 5 in the ring 2, a displacementof the driving rod 3 in the holder means that the driving part 4displaces the ring 2 relative to the holder 1. In the shown embodimentthe driving part 4 is designed as a cylindrical element.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 the driving rod 3 can only move parallelto a plane perpendicular to the axis C. In the shown embodiment therecess 5 has the shape of a slotted hole, but could in an alternativeembodiment be circular. The reason for which the driving rod 3 ismovable parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis C resides in thefact that the movement mechanism described herein will be used inpractice for a movement of the holder relative to the ring about twoaxes, namely A and B, and that for a rotation about one of the two axesit is favorable to actuate both motors separately and simultaneously. Incase the motors M₁, M₂ are driven in the same direction the rotationwill occur around axis A, while in case the motors are driven inopposite direction the rotation will occur around axis B.

The first motor M₁ and the second motor M₂ are drivable at the samerotational speed. The separate driving of the first and the second motorcan be realized by providing each of the motors with its own ground orearth connection. This means that the movement mechanism comprises aconnection unit 12 having four electrical connection leads in stead ofthe three used in the movement mechanism according to EP-A-1347890.These four electrical connections are shown in FIG. 5 while FIG. 6indicates a motion diagram depicting the voltage supplied to eachconnection and the corresponding movement direction of the bowl-shapedring relative to the holder.

The first and the second transmission means preferably compriseplanetary gear drives (9, 9′; 79) which couple the motors to the drivingrods.

Here, the driving mechanism 3 is arranged on the side of the partition10. Diametrically relative to a plane extending parallel to thispartition through the center of the movement mechanism a partition 11 isprovided parallel to the partition 10. For a two-axis movement of theholder 1 relative to the ring 2 a second driving rod 3′ is arranged onthe side of this partition, that is to say in the same way as thedriving rod 3 is arranged on the side of the partition 10. Of course,the driving means required therefor are arranged in the holder 1 andcomprise a second motor M2 and second transmission means 6′, 9′. In thatcase the arrangement of the two driving rods gives an additional spacesaving compared to the situation in which the two driving rods areperpendicular to each other as is visible in FIGS. 11 and 12.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 a laterally directed movement of thedriving part 4 occurring during the displacement of the driving rod 3 isprevented by providing the toothed wheel 6 with a shaft part 7 which isradially bearing-mounted in a groove 8 in the driving rod 3. During thedisplacement of the driving rod 3 a slight axial movement is possiblebetween the shaft part 7 and the groove 8. Please note, that inalternative embodiments such a construction can also be applied tostraight driving rods.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments describedherein with reference to the drawing, but comprises all kinds ofmodifications thereof, of course as far as falling within the scope ofprotection of the appended claims. Thus, for instance, it is possible totake up the laterally directed movement of the driving part 4 occurringduring a displacement of the driving rod 3 by providing the recess 5 ina plate piece which is laterally displaceable relative to the ring 2.

In FIGS. 7 and 8 a further movement mechanism according to the inventionis shown. As above, the movement mechanism comprises a substantiallyspherical holder 1 and a substantially bowl-shaped ring 2 surroundingthe substantially spherical holder 1. When inserted into each other, asschematically shown in FIG. 7, the substantially spherical holder 1 andthe substantially bowl-shaped ring 2 are rotatable relative to eachother about at least one first axis, which lies in a plane which issubstantially parallel with the top face of the holder 1 and which lieseither at an angle of approximately 45° to the first axis (meaning thatone driving rod effects rotation around one of the axis) or which isparallel to or coincides with the first axis (meaning that separatelyand simultaneously driving both motors in the same direction activatesboth driving rods to effect rotation around the first axis and drivingthe motors separately and in opposite direction to effect rotationaround the second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis).Driving means are provided for enabling movement of the holder 1relative to the ring 2, which driving means comprise a driving rod 73bearing-mounted in the holder 1 as well as means 76, 79 for activatingthe driving rod 73. The driving rod 73 is provided with teeth and themeans for activating the driving rod 73 is formed by a driving system 79provided with a driven toothed wheel 76. The driving system is activatedby a motor 16. In contrast to the embodiment described above the drivingrod 73 is a straight driving rod, such as a linear ball rack. Thefunctioning and further construction is however analogous.

In addition, FIGS. 7 and 8 depict an embodiment of a still furthermovement mechanism according to the invention. In this further movementmechanism according to the invention the connection means comprises adriving part 4′ which is connected to the ring 2 and a recess 5′provided in the driving rod 73. The driving part 4′ is rotatably mountedin the recess 5′. Please note, that although in the embodiment shown therecess 5′ is provided in a straight driving rod, in an alternativeembodiment the driving rod can be a non-straight driving rod as e.g.shown in FIG. 1, thus e.g. having the shape of a ring segment, which isrotatable about a third axis, which lies in a plane equal or parallel tothe top face of the holder 1 and which lies either at an angle ofapproximately 45° to the first axis or which is parallel to or coincideswith the first axis. In addition, in alternative embodiments theengagement of the driving part in the recess can be replaced by amovable connection of the driving part to the driving rod. As shown inFIG. 8 the driving part 4′ is connected to a driving part basis 14 whichis rotatably mounted between flanges 13 around an axis 15. Thefunctioning and further construction is however analogous.

The recess 5′ is shown as being circular, but can in other embodimentshave the shape of a slotted hole. The driving part 4′ has the shape of acylinder extending in the recess. In case the recess is a slotted hole,the length of the slotted hole is preferably substantially oriented in adirection parallel to that of the first axis A or in alternativeembodiments the length of the slotted hole is substantially oriented ina direction enclosing an angle with the first axis having a value of amultiple of approximately 45° to the first axis.

In an even still further movement mechanism according to the inventionor an improved embodiment of the movement mechanism described in the twopreceding paragraphs the driving part 4′ is movably connected with thering 2, and preferably movably connected to the driving rod. Thefunctioning and further construction is however analogous.

As indicated in FIG. 8 the driving part 4′, 14 can be removablyconnected to the ring 2 by displacing the flanges 13 apart so that thedriving part 4′, 14 can be replaced or repaired.

In addition, FIGS. 9 and 10 depict an embodiment of even still furthermovement mechanisms according to the invention in a schematic way. Asshown in both FIGS. 9 and 10 the driven toothed wheel 36; 6″ is arrangedbetween the driving rod 33; 3″ and the substantially spherical holder 1.This arrangement is applicable to the above described movementmechanisms in which the driving rod is either straight (e.g. a linearball rack as shown in FIG. 7) or non-straight (a ring segment as shownin e.g. FIG. 12). The functioning and further construction is howeveranalogous.

1. A movement mechanism comprising a substantially spherical holder (1)and a substantially bowl-shaped ring (2), which, when inserted into eachother, are rotatable relative to each other about a first axis (A),which lies in a plane which is substantially parallel with the top faceof the holder (1), and a second axis (B), which second axis (B) lies ina plane equal or parallel to the top face of the ring (2), and whichsecond axis (B) lies at an angle of approximately 90° to the first axis(A), while driving means are provided for enabling movement of theholder (1) relative to the ring (2), which driving means comprise afirst non-straight driving rod (3) bearing-mounted in the holder (1), aswell as means (6, 9) for activating the driving rod (3) and a secondnon-straight driving rod (3′) bearing-mounted in the holder (1), as wellas means (6′, 9′) for activating the driving rod, wherein the firstdriving rod (3) and the second driving rod (3′) are rotatable about athird and a fourth axis, respectively, which third (C) and fourth axes(C′) are mutually parallel and lie in a plane equal or parallel to thetop face of the holder (1) and characterized in that the third andfourth axes (C, C′) are parallel to or coincide with the first axis (A).2. A movement mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the means (6, 9)for activating the first non-straight driving rod (3) comprises a firstmotor and associated first transmission means and the means (6′, 9′) foractivating the second non-straight driving rod (3′) comprises a secondmotor and associated second transmission means, characterized in thatthe first motor and the second motor are separately drivable andsimultaneously drivable for either driving the driving rods (3, 3′) inthe same direction or in opposite direction.
 3. A movement mechanismaccording to claim 2, characterized in that the first motor and thesecond motor are drivable at the same rotational speed.
 4. A movementmechanism according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first andthe second transmission means comprise planetary gear drives (9, 9′;79).
 5. A movement mechanism according to any one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that each of the driving rods (3, 3″) isprovided with teeth and can carry out a rotational movement, which isdefined relative to an axis which substantially coincides with or isparallel to the first axis (A).
 6. A movement mechanism according toclaim 5, characterized in that the means (6, 9; 6′, 9′) for activatingthe driving rods (3; 3′) are formed by a driving system (9; 9′) providedwith a driven toothed wheel (6; 6′).
 7. A movement mechanism comprisinga substantially spherical holder (1) and a substantially bowl-shapedring (2) surrounding the substantially spherical holder (1), which, wheninserted into each other are rotatable relative to each other about atleast one first axis (A), which lies in a plane which is substantiallyparallel with the top face of the holder (1), while driving means areprovided for enabling movement of the holder (1) relative to the ring(2), which driving means comprise a driving rod (3″) bearing-mounted inthe holder (1), as well as means (6″, 9) for activating the driving rod(3″), wherein the driving rod (3″) is provided with teeth and the meansfor activating the driving rod (3″) is formed by a driving system (9)provided with a driven toothed wheel (6″), characterized in that thedriving rod (3″) is a straight driving rod, such as a linear ball rack.8. A movement mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that thedriving rod (3″) is arranged between the driven toothed wheel (6″) andthe substantially spherical holder (1).
 9. A movement mechanismcomprising a substantially spherical holder (1) and a substantiallybowl-shaped ring (2) surrounding the substantially spherical holder (1),which, when inserted into each other are rotatable relative to eachother about at least one first axis (A), which lies in a plane which issubstantially parallel with the top face of the holder (1), whiledriving means are provided for enabling movement of the holder (1)relative to the ring (2), which driving means comprise a driving rod(33) bearing-mounted in the holder (1), as well as means (36, 9) foractivating the driving rod (33), wherein the driving rod (33) isprovided with teeth and the means for activating the driving rod (33) isformed by a driving system (9) provided with a driven toothed wheel(36), characterized in that the driving rod is a non-straight drivingrod (33) and the driven toothed wheel (36) is arranged between thedriving rod (33) and the substantially spherical holder (1).
 10. Amovement mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that thedriving rod (33) has the shape of a ring segment, which is rotatableabout a third axis (C), which lies in a plane equal or parallel to thetop face of the holder (1) and which lies at an angle of approximately45° to the first axis (A).
 11. A movement mechanism according to claim9, characterized in that the driving rod (33) has the shape of a ringsegment, which is rotatable about a third axis (C), which lies in aplane equal or parallel to the top face of the holder (1) and which isparallel to or coincides with the first axis (A).
 12. A movementmechanism comprising a substantially spherical holder (1) and asubstantially bowl-shaped ring (2), which, when inserted into eachother, are rotatable relative to each other about at least one firstaxis (A), which lies in a plane which is substantially parallel with thetop face of the holder (1), while driving means are provided forenabling movement of the holder (1) relative to the ring (2), whichdriving means comprise a driving rod (73) bearing-mounted in the holder(1), as well as means (76, 69) for activating the driving rod (73),wherein the movement mechanism comprises connection means for connectingthe driving rod (73) to the ring (2) in a manner allowing relativemovement between the driving rod (73) and the ring (2), characterized inthat the connection means comprises a driving part (4′) connected to thering (2) and a recess (5′) in the driving rod (73), which driving part(4′) is rotatably mounted in the recess (5′), preferably relative to anadditional axis (B), which additional axis (B) lies in a plane equal orparallel to the top face of the ring (2) and which additional axis (B)encloses an angle with the first axis (A) having a value of a multipleof approximately 45°.
 13. A movement mechanism according to claim 12,characterized in that the driving part (4′) has the shape of a cylinderand the recess (5′) is circular or has the shape of a slotted hole,while the length of the slotted hole is substantially oriented in adirection enclosing an angle with the first axis (A) having a value of amultiple of approximately 45°.
 14. A movement mechanism according toclaim 12, characterized in that the driving part (4′) is movablyconnected with the ring (2).
 15. A movement mechanism according to anyone of the claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the driving rod (73)has the shape of a ring segment, which is rotatable about a third axis(C), which lies in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of theholder (1) and which lies either at an angle of approximately 45° to thefirst axis (A) or which is parallel to or coincides with the first axis(A).
 16. A movement mechanism according to claim 15, characterized inthat the driving rod (73) is provided with teeth and can carry out arotational movement, which is defined relative to an axis whichsubstantially coincides with or is parallel to the first axis (A) or thesecond axis (B).
 17. A movement mechanism according to claim 16,characterized in that the recess (5′) is movably arranged in the drivingrod (73) in such a manner that, when the driving rod (73) rotates, arelatively small displacement of the recess becomes possible.
 18. Amovement mechanism according to any one of the claims 12 to 17,characterized in that the means for activating the driving rod (73) areformed by a driving system (79) provided with a driven toothed wheel(76).
 19. A movement mechanism according to any one of the claims 12 to18, characterized in that the driving part (4′) is removably connectedto the ring (2).
 20. A movement mechanism comprising a substantiallyspherical holder (1) and a substantially bowl-shaped ring (2), which,when inserted into each other, are rotatable relative to each otherabout at least one first axis (A), which lies in a plane which issubstantially parallel with the top face of the holder (1), whiledriving means are provided for enabling movement of the holder (1)relative to the ring (2), which driving means comprise a driving rod(73) bearing-mounted in the holder (1), as well as means (76, 79) foractivating the driving rod (73), wherein the movement mechanismcomprises connection means for connecting the driving rod (73) to thering (2) in a manner allowing relative movement between the driving rod(73) and the ring (2), characterized in that the connection meanscomprises a driving part (4′) which is movably connected to the ring (2)and which is preferably movably connected with the driving rod (73). 21.A movement mechanism according to claim 20, characterized in that thedriving part (4′) is rotatably mounted in a recess (5′) in the drivingrod (73), preferably relative to an additional axis (B), whichadditional axis (B) lies in a plane equal or parallel to the top face ofthe ring (2) and which additional axis (B) encloses at an angle with thefirst axis (A) having a value of a multiple of 45°.
 22. A movementmechanism according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the drivingrod has the shape of a ring segment, which is rotatable about a thirdaxis (C), which lies in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of theholder (1) and which either lies at an angle of approximately 45° to thefirst axis (A) or which is parallel to or coincides with the first axis(A).
 23. A movement mechanism according to claim 21 or 22, characterizedin that the driving part (4′) has the shape of a cylinder and the recess(5′) is circular or has the shape of a slotted hole, while the length ofthe slotted hole is substantially oriented in a direction enclosing anangle with the first axis (A) having a value of a multiple ofapproximately 45°.
 24. A movement mechanism according to any one of theclaims 20 to 23, characterized in that the driving rod (73) is providedwith teeth and can carry out a rotational movement, which is definedrelative to an axis which substantially coincides with or is parallel tothe first axis (A) or the second axis (B).
 25. A movement mechanismaccording to claim 24, characterized in that the recess (5′) is movablyarranged in the driving rod (73) in such a manner that, when the drivingrod (73) rotates, a relatively small displacement of the recess becomespossible.
 26. A movement mechanism according to any one of the claims 20to 25, characterized in that the means for activating the driving rod(73) are formed by a driving system (79) provided with a driven toothedwheel (76).
 27. A movement mechanism according to any one of the claims20 to 26, characterized in that the driving part (4′) is removablyconnected to the ring (2) and/or the driving rod (73).
 28. Wing mirrorfor a vehicle provided with a movement mechanism according to any one ofthe preceding claims.